The GUTPUNCHEDAC’s Podcast

GUTPUNCHED: The Not so Sexy Podcast- WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Welcome to Episode 107 of GutPunched: Alzheimer’s & Caregivers — The Not So Sexy Podcast with your host, Jeff Edwards.
Caregiving can change your life in an instant. One moment you’re living your normal routine… and the next, you’ve been GUTPUNCHED with diagnoses, uncertainty, stress, and questions you never expected to ask.
One of the biggest questions caregivers face is:“What do I do now?”
In this episode, we tackle one of the most important — and often overlooked — parts of the caregiving journey: legal planning and protection.
Jeff sits down with Elder Law Attorney Ehren Frey from Zacharia Frey PLLC for an informative and practical conversation about:• Power of Attorney• Medical Power of Attorney• Trusts & Wills• Medicaid Planning• Protecting Assets• Planning Ahead Before a Crisis Happens
This is the kind of information caregivers desperately need… but often struggle to find until it’s too late.
We’ll also discuss exciting new research involving a nasal spray that may help repair brain function and improve cognitive health — a fascinating development that’s creating a lot of discussion in the Alzheimer’s and brain health community.
Plus:• “What’s New with Alzheimer’s” with Dr. John Huffaker• A listener question about the APOE4 gene and what it may mean for families concerned about Alzheimer’s risk
As always, GutPunched is here to bring caregivers real talk, real help, and real hope.
Hashtags
#GutPunchedPodcast #Alzheimers #CaregiverSupport #DementiaCare #FamilyCaregiver #Caregiving #ElderLaw #BrainHealth #AlzheimersAwareness #DementiaSupport #MedicaidPlanning #PowerOfAttorney #APOE4 #MemoryCare #CaregiverLife #Podcast
Available on The Podcast Playground: Apple, Spotify, Pandora, PodBean, I-Heart, YouTube, And GUTPUNCHED.COM
 

GUTPUNCHED:The Not So Sexy Podcast- Caregiver s & Chronic Health Issues

Episode 106 of GutPunched continues the honest conversation about caregiving, brain health, and the realities families face while navigating Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss.
Host Jeff Edwards opens the show by encouraging caregivers to stay connected and involved — especially through support groups and caregiver meetings, where education, encouragement, and understanding can make a major difference.
This week’s episode covers several important topics for caregivers and families, including:
How the BrightFocus Foundation and their partner FreeWill are helping people create or update their wills
New insights from the Alzheimer's Association 2026 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures Report
A closer look at the percentage of dementia caregivers who report chronic health conditions — and the serious impact caregiving stress can have on caregiver mortality and overall health
Listeners will also hear another edition of “What’s New with Alzheimer’s” featuring Dr. John Huffaker, along with a listener question focused on Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), current studies, and available medications.
As always, Jeff shares the FIVE TENETS of caregiving that continue to guide the GutPunched community:Take care of yourself. Don’t do this alone. Use your support system. Create a help signal. And give caregiving everything you’ve got while you’re in it.
Supported by:
Neuropsychiatric Research Center
Heart, Body, & Mind Home Care
Live Younger Today
#Alzheimers #Caregivers #DementiaCare #BrainHealth #MCI #CaregiverStress #FamilyCaregiver #HealthyAging #MemoryCare #CaregiverSupport #EstatePlanning #AlzheimersAwareness #GutPunchedPodcast #ChronicStress #SeniorCare
Available on Podcast Playground: Apple, Spotify, Pandora, I-Heart, PodBean
And GUTPUNCHED.COM
 

GUTPUNCHED: THE NOT SO SEXY PODCAST:Memorial Day 2026

GutPunched: Alzheimer’s & Caregivers : The Not So Sexy Podcast, Episode 105 takes an honest and informative look at the realities facing caregivers, families, and older adults navigating memory loss and aging.
Host Jeff Edwards opens the show with a heartfelt Memorial Day reflection — honoring the sacrifices made by service members while also recognizing the importance of slowing down, recharging, and taking care of ourselves in today’s demanding world.
This week’s episode explores several important topics affecting seniors and caregivers right now, including:
How to help protect seniors with dementia from scams and fraud
The best brain foods for adults over 40
New research on how virgin olive oil may improve gut bacteria and support brain health
Listeners will also hear another edition of “What’s New with Alzheimer’s” featuring Dr. John Huffaker, along with a listener Q&A segment focused on Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) — one of the most misunderstood early warning signs connected to cognitive decline.
As always, Jeff shares the FIVE TENETS of caregiving that continue to guide the GutPunched community:Take care of yourself. Ask for help. Use your support system. Create a help signal. And above all — give caregiving your all while you’re in it.
Supported by:
Neuropsychiatric Research Center
Heart, Body, & Mind Home Care
Live Younger Today
#Alzheimers #Caregivers #DementiaCare #BrainHealth #MCI #FamilyCaregiver #AgingParents #CaregiverSupport #HealthyAging #MemoryCare #PodcastLife #GutPunchedPodcast #BrainFoods #SeniorSafety #AlzheimersAwareness
Available on The Podcast Playground: Apple, Spotify, Pandora, PodBean, I-Heart, YouTube, And GUTPUNCHED.COM
 

Tomorrows Treatments Today: Brain health, Hope, & The Caregiver Journey

Tomorrow’s Treatments Today: Brain Health, Hope & the Caregiver Journey
This week on GutPunched Podcast, we welcome Dr. Deborah Coe Silver from the Neuropsychiatric Research Center for an informed, inspiring, and deeply important conversation about brain health, memory care, and the future of Alzheimer’s research.
The Neuropsychiatric Research Center has become a true hidden gem in our community—offering groundbreaking clinical research, cognitive testing, education, and support for individuals and families navigating memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Deborah Coe Silver shares her passion for helping patients and caregivers understand the rapidly changing landscape of neuropsychiatric care, while also offering hope through today’s emerging treatments and tomorrow’s innovations.
We’ll also spotlight a new program from the Alzheimer's Association that may benefit caregivers and families, plus discuss a fascinating article exploring how high salt intake may contribute to worsening memory loss.
And of course, we’ll hear from Dr. John Huffaker in another edition of “What’s New with Alzheimer’s,” where he answers a listener question about frontal temporal dementia and provides practical insight into one of the more challenging forms of cognitive decline.
As always, we return to the FIVE TENETS that guide everything we do here at GutPunched:
Take care of yourself
Don’t do this alone
Accept help
Create a help signal
And remember: caregiving will change your life—so give it your best
This episode is filled with education, encouragement, compassion, and real-world support for caregivers, families, and anyone concerned about brain health.
GutPunched #Alzheimers #Caregiving #BrainHealth #MemoryLoss #DementiaCare #FrontalTemporalDementia #CaregiverSupport #NeuropsychiatricResearch #AlzheimersAwareness #PodcastLife #HealthPodcast #CaregiverJourney
Available on Podcast Playground: Apple, Spotify, Pandora, I-Heart, PodBean
And GUTPUNCHED.COM
 

How Old Are You Today?

🎙️ Episode 103: A Game That Helps Families Stay Connected Through Dementia
In this unforgettable episode of GutPunched: Alzheimer’s & Caregivers — The Not So Sexy Podcast, host Jeff Edwards talks with Glenna Hecht about her book How Old Are You Today and the simple relationship game she created with her mother to help families stay emotionally connected through dementia.
The conversation became so insightful and valuable that Jeff broke the podcast’s normal 15-minute format to dive deeper into practical caregiving tools, emotional connection, and hope for families facing Alzheimer’s.
Plus:
New Alzheimer’s facts and caregiver statistics
“What’s New with Alzheimer’s” featuring Dr. John Huffaker
Free resources and caregiver encouragement
And Glenna has a gift for listeners:  Scan the QR to receive it.
Or Go to: HowOldAreYouToday.com
#GutPunchedPodcast #Alzheimers #DementiaCare #CaregiverSupport #FamilyCaregiver #AlzheimersAwareness #DementiaAwareness #Caregiving #MemoryCare #SeniorCare #Podcast HealthPodcast #HopeForCaregivers
Available on The Podcast Playground: Apple, Spotify, Pandora, PodBean, I-Heart, YouTube, And GUTPUNCHED.COM

Most Don't Know How to Protect Brain; The Alzheimer's Experience with Dr. Lauren Brown

Welcome to Episode 102 of GutPunched: Alzheimer’s & Caregivers — The Not So Sexy Podcast.
In this episode, host Jeff Edwards begins with a powerful fact from information shared by the Alzheimer’s Association:
99% of people say they value brain health as much as, or more than, physical health — but only 9% say they know a lot about ways to maintain brain health.
That gap is the focus of this episode.
We connect that fact to information from the article “Most Americans Don’t Know How to Protect Brain Health.” This episode also features Part 1 of Jeff’s interview with Dr. Lauren Brown, PhD, from The Alzheimer’s Experience. Dr. Brown teaches a clinically grounded model called ProMa, designed to help caregivers, families, and care teams understand what to expect and how to respond with dignity.
Also in this episode:
The 5 Tenets — the rules we followWhat’s New With Alzheimer’s with Dr. John HuffakerCaregiver resourcesA special thank-you to listeners for the response to “GutPunched: I Still Choose You”The full song at the end of the program
Alzheimer’s does not only affect memory. It affects families, relationships, routines, emotions, finances, and the heart of caregiving itself.
This episode is about awareness, action, caregiver support, brain health, and remembering the person behind the diagnosis.
Please like, comment, share, and subscribe to help us reach more caregivers and families walking this road.
#GutPunchedPodcast #AlzheimersAwareness #DementiaCaregivers #AlzheimersCaregivers #BrainHealth #CaregiverSupport #DementiaAwareness #AlzheimersDisease #FamilyCaregivers #IStillChooseYou #TheAlzheimersExperience #CaregivingJourney
Available on The Podcast Playground: Apple, Spotify, Pandora, PodBean, I-Heart, YouTube, And GUTPUNCHED.COM
 

GUTPUNCHED: EP 101 "Do Alzheimer's Drugs Really Work?"

Episode 101 of GutPunched: Alzheimer’s & Caregivers — The Not So Sexy Podcast dives into one of the most emotionally and intellectually charged topics in Alzheimer’s care today: the growing controversy around Alzheimer’s drugs and whether they truly provide meaningful benefits.
Host Jeff Edwards opens the episode by thanking listeners for the overwhelming response to the original song “GutPunched: I Still Choose You!” featured in Episode 100, a heartfelt tribute to caregivers and loved ones navigating this difficult journey.
Then, the conversation takes a turn. Do you like controversy? What about conspiracy theories? This episode explores emerging claims and debates that could ignite a serious clash in the medical and caregiving communities over Alzheimer’s treatments.
In the “What’s New With Alzheimer’s?” segment, Dr. John Huffaker returns to answer a common but often misunderstood caregiver question: Why do people with Alzheimer’s resist bathing or showering? His insights provide practical understanding and compassion for one of the many daily challenges caregivers face.
Whether you’re a caregiver, family member, or simply seeking to better understand Alzheimer’s, this episode offers a powerful mix of education, empathy, and thought-provoking discussion.
#Alzheimers #Caregiving #DementiaCare #CaregiverSupport #AlzheimersAwareness #MemoryLoss #Healthcare #PodcastLife #CaregiverLife #ElderCare #GutPunchedPodcast #AlzheimersResearch #DementiaSupport
Available on The Podcast Playground: Apple, Spotify, Pandora, PodBean,
I-Heart, YouTube, And GUTPUNCHED.COM
 
 

Celebrating 100 Episodes with a Gift of Song for Caregivers

In Episode 100 of GutPunched: Alzheimer’s & Caregivers — The Not So Sexy Podcast, host Jeff Edwards marks a deeply meaningful milestone with a heartfelt and personal reflection dedicated to caregivers everywhere.
This special episode explores a powerful and often unspoken question: What is the true goal of caregiving? Jeff shares insights from The Savvy Caregiver Course manual, offering perspective, validation, and encouragement for those navigating the emotional and physical demands of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
In the “What’s New with Alzheimer’s?” segment, Dr. John Huffaker addresses a listener question about the progression of swallowing difficulties in Alzheimer’s patients—an important and often challenging stage for caregivers to understand and manage.
The episode also includes heartfelt gratitude to supporters, sponsors, and organizations that have helped make the podcast possible, including healthcare partners, advocacy groups, and behind-the-scenes contributors.
To commemorate this milestone, Jeff shares a deeply personal gift: an original song titled “I Still Choose You.” Inspired by both his wife and his caregiving experience, the song is meant to give caregivers something meaningful to share with their loved ones—a reminder that even in the face of loss, connection and love endure.
This 100th episode is more than a celebration—it’s a tribute to resilience, compassion, and the unique journey every caregiver walks. As Jeff reflects, we may not be in the same boat—but we are all navigating the same river.
Hashtags:#Caregiving #AlzheimersAwareness #DementiaCare #CaregiverSupport #PodcastEpisode100 #GutPunchedPodcast #CaregiverLife #AlzheimersJourney #EmotionalHealth #SupportCaregivers #HealthcarePodcast #MemoryCare #LoveAndCare #EnduringLove
Available on The Podcast Playground: Apple, Spotify, Pandora, PodBean, I-Heart, YouTube, And GUTPUNCHED.COM
 

GutPunched: Caregiver Activity Tips and Scientists Discover

GUTPUNCHED: ALZHEIMER’S & CAREGIVERS: THE NOT SO SEXY PODCAST
In Episode 99 of GutPunched: Alzheimer’s & Caregivers: The Not So Sexy Podcast, host Jeff Edwards dives into the realities of caregiving that often go unspoken—but deeply felt.
This episode opens with a heartfelt reflection on why Alzheimer’s and caregiving are considered “not so sexy” topics, and why that shouldn’t stop us from having these critical conversations. Jeff shares a personal and relatable perspective on how people react when they hear about the podcast—and why its mission matters now more than ever.
From there, the episode explores practical guidance for caregivers, focusing on how to choose meaningful activities for loved ones living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. What works? What doesn’t? And how can caregivers better adapt to changing needs?
The conversation also tackles a trending headline claiming scientists have identified a single cause of cognitive decline—breaking down what it really means and what caregivers should know.
Plus, in the “What’s New With Alzheimer’s?” segment, Dr. John Huffaker answers a listener question about lithium and its potential role in Alzheimer’s care and research.
Throughout the episode, Jeff reinforces the podcast’s core caregiving principles—the Five Tenets—including self-care, building support systems, and embracing the caregiving journey with intention and resilience.
Whether you’re currently a caregiver or may become one in the future, this episode offers insight, honesty, and support for navigating one of life’s most challenging roles.
#Hashtags:#Alzheimers #Caregiving #DementiaCare #CaregiverSupport #MemoryLoss #HealthPodcast #Aging #CaregiverLife #MentalHealth #FamilyCaregivers #AlzheimersAwareness
Available on Podcast Playground: Apple, Spotify, Pandora, PodBean,I-Heart, YouTube
And GUTPUNCHED.COM

Changing Roles & Lewy Body vs Alzheimer's

Episode 98 of GutPunched: Alzheimer’s & Caregivers – The Not So Sexy Podcast dives into one of the most challenging and emotional realities of caregiving: changing roles. Host Jeff Edwards reflects on how responsibilities shift over time in the Alzheimer’s journey—and how those shifts impact identity, relationships, and emotional well-being.
Jeff shares a personal moment of stepping away for needed rest and connection, reinforcing Rule #1 of the show’s caregiving philosophy: you must take care of yourself first. From there, the episode explores how caregivers gradually take on new duties once handled by their loved ones, often without warning or preparation.
The episode also introduces listeners to Lewy Body Dementia, offering a foundational look at how it compares to and differs from Alzheimer’s disease. This “toe in the water” discussion helps caregivers recognize overlapping symptoms and unique challenges.
Additionally, Dr. John Huffaker returns for the “What’s New in Alzheimer’s?” segment, answering a listener question about emerging non-drug treatments and research developments.
As always, Jeff reinforces the show’s Five Tenets—practical, hard-earned rules designed to help caregivers survive and navigate this journey with strength and support.
This episode is a reminder that caregiving is not static—it evolves, stretches you, and sometimes gut-punches you—but you don’t have to face it alone.
Hashtags: #AlzheimersCare #CaregiverSupport #DementiaAwareness #LewyBodyDementia #CaregiverLife #MentalHealthMatters #AgingParents #CaregivingJourney #PodcastLife #HealthPodcast #SelfCareForCaregivers #AlzheimersPodcast
Available on Podcast Playground: Apple, Spotify, Pandora, I-Heart, PodBean
And GUTPUNCHED.COM